Sustainability maturity tool

How to use this tool

Step 1

For each of the six themes, look at the actions at each level (from 'starting' to 'regenerative') and decide which best fits where you are now.

Step 2

For each theme, look at the actions at each level and decide where you want, or expect, to be in one or two years’ time.

Step 3

Use the suggested actions between the two levels to cross-check with an existing action plan or use them as a basis for a new action plan.

Step 4

Start now: implement the action plan and let us know how you’re getting on.

Carbon emissions

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions	Internal action	External action
1. Starting	Basic knowledge of emissions Energy use reduction initiatives in place	Learning from others Minimal involvement in emissions reduction efforts in the sector or locally
2. Progressing	Assessed climate impacts e.g. calculated carbon footprint or identified areas of highest impact Targets / goals set to reduce emissions with KPIs to assess progress Basic emissions reduction actions implemented, e.g. renewable electricity tariff, LED lights	Beginning to raise awareness of emissions reduction in the sector or locally
3. Sustainable	Several actions implemented to reduce operational emissions, leading to a reduction of carbon footprint Published carbon reduction targets e.g. signatory of UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Science-Based Targets initiative	Involved in initiatives to reduce emissions in the sector or locally
4. Restorative	Demonstrable progress towards operational net zero and carbon neutrality Beginning to understand the interconnections between emissions and other sustainability themes	Initiated and delivered projects to reduce emissions in the sector or locally Shared resources and learning with others Influenced policy change towards net zero
5. Regenerative	Achieving operational net zero or carbon negative	Sector leadership and working in partnership; driving innovation and positive outcomes towards net zero, e.g. led shift to carbon negative solutions in the sector – removing more CO2 than emitting Actions across themes are interconnected (rather than done in silos) which enables positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes Positive impacts are quantified, communicated widely, and replicated by other organisations

Download the full tool

Sustainability maturity checker Download the file - 91.7 KB

Next steps

Now you've evaluated your organisation's sustainability maturity using our tool, it's time to take the next steps in developing your action plan – you can use the prompt questions below to help you.

Until 2027, there's no requirement to report your sustainability progress to us, but we're keen to hear about the progress you're making: your challenges, solutions and ambitions.

And we’d love to share that with the sector – to help others on their journey and to shape the resources we're creating to help you move further, faster.

So please drop us a line to let us know how you're getting on!

Get in touch

Questions to ask yourself

What maturity level do you believe your organisation is at?
What are your key successes?
What have been the key enablers and blockers?
What have you learnt along the way?
What would you like to do more of and what would support these ambitions?
Are there any risks to you achieving progress? For example, operational capability and resource, strategic support from leadership, conflicting priorities etc.
Is there any further support you feel you need?

Sustainability maturity tool

How to use this tool

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Carbon emissions

Download the full tool

Circular economy

Blue-green environment

Biodiversity gain

Tackling inequalities

Enabler

Next steps

Questions to ask yourself

Sustainability maturity tool

How to use this tool

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

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